Road safety advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye calls for mandatory jail, lifetime bans and vehicle seizure for fatal DUI offences, urging a zero-tolerance approach.
When such irresponsible behaviour results in death, it must be treated as a serious crime deserving harsher and mandatory punishment.
Every life lost due to impaired driving is preventable and unacceptable. Statistics show that drink and drug-impaired driving continues to claim lives.
In recent years, dozens of fatal cases have been recorded annually while more than a hundred cases involving death and serious injuries have been brought before the courts. These numbers may appear small compared to overall road accidents but the consequences are devastating.
Each death leaves families shattered and communities grieving. Those who choose to drink or take drugs and then drive are making a conscious decision. When they do so, they effectively turn their vehicles into lethal weapons.
The law must reflect the gravity of this conduct.
Introduce stronger penalties
We call for the following urgent measures:
0 Mandatory imprisonment for fatal cases – anyone convicted of driving under the influence resulting in death must face mandatory imprisonment with no option for a fine.
0 Lifetime driving ban – drivers responsible for fatal DUI offences should face permanent revocation of their driving licence.
0 Non-bailable offence for fatal DUI cases – such cases should be treated as serious offences, with immediate arrest and strict bail conditions.
0 Vehicle confiscation – automatic seizure of vehicles used in fatal drunk or drug-impaired driving cases.
0 Harsher penalties for repeat offenders –repeat offenders must face longer jail terms and permanent disqualification from driving.
0 Mandatory compensation to victims’ families – courts should order compulsory compensation for families who lose loved ones.
0 Ignition interlock system for offenders – convicted offenders should only be allowed to drive vehicles fitted with breath-activated ignition systems.
Ensure stronger enforcement
Stricter laws must be supported by firm enforcement:
0 More random breathalyser and drug testing operations
0 Increased roadblocks during weekends and festive seasons
0 Joint operations between police and enforcement agencies
0 Monitoring of entertainment and high-risk areas
0 Immediate suspension of licence upon arrest
Preventive measures
At the same time, prevention must remain a priority:
0 Promote designated driver culture
0 Encourage use of e-hailing services
0 Improve late-night public transport
0 Expand public awareness campaigns targeting young drivers
0 Ensure responsibility among alcohol-serving outlets
Driving under the influence is a deliberate and irresponsible act. When it results in death, it must be treated as a serious criminal offence, not merely a traffic violation.
The message must be clear and uncompromising: If you drink or take drugs and drive and someone dies – you must go to jail. Only firm laws, strong enforcement and zero tolerance will deter offenders and protect innocent road users.
No family should lose a loved one because of someone else’s reckless decision. Road safety must be treated as a national priority.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Member of Road Safety Council